How to survive the first few weeks as a mum

No matter how much you prepare, becoming a mum will blow your mind and in ways you can never have imagined.

Yes, it's the most wonderful experience ever and yet, in the early weeks especially, it can also be confronting, confusing and confounding. The good news is that there are steps you can take to ease the difficulty and allow you to embrace this incredible new role of yours.

Having your parents or in law’s visiting is extremely handy, especially in the first few weeks.

From assisting with meals to guarding the front door, they can provide immense support.

My advice to new parents – especially those who may have friction with their mother or mother in law - is to write a list, and request their help in getting everyday tasks done. Chores such as vacuuming, running down to the chemist or buying groceries are perfect for grandparents.

The greatest gig of all - but not always the easiest, particularly in the early weeks. Image: Getty.

Set Visitor Boundaries

Well-meaning visitors will often pop in unannounced for a cup of tea and a chat. They may do so without realising how weary new parents are – especially mums, who may be experiencing pain, discomfort and mixed emotions in the first few days and weeks.

To ensure that doesn't happen, send a text to family and friends to say that you appreciate their love and support, but won't be taking visitors during the first few weeks. Remember, a lot of the people you know have been through this before and can empathise and relate.

Be Immunisation Aware

Be brave enough to say that you don’t want visits for the first six weeks from anyone who hasn’t been immunised for whooping cough.

When talking to someone who has not been immunised, you can suggest a catch-up via Facetime or Skype. They can celebrate your baby news that way.

For more pregnancy, childbirth and child-rearing stories, tune into our new podcast Honey Mums - a podcast by mums like you, for mums like you. Click the link below.

Trust Your Gut

I’m an expert in babies and parenting, however I always wait for people to contact me if they want advice – I never give it, not even to family. Yet many people have one baby and consider themselves to be an expert.

Right from the start, new parents will receive advice. In hospital, you receive mixed messages from different nurses on how to breastfeed, and when returning home, mothers, mother in laws, girlfriends and closed social media groups will all offer different views on parenting. This can be extremely overwhelming. Listen to your obstetrician and midwife and learn to trust your instincts and know yourself.

Midwife Cath Curtin has delivered more 10,000 babies throughout her 42-year career. Trained and fully-qualified as a midwife and maternal and child health nurse, she is the author of The First Six Weeks (Allen & Unwin).